Thai Immigration
by MikeAtSea
Entry into Thailand is relativley easy. Almost every nationality obtains a visa for 30 days at the point of entry. Only a hand full of nationalities require a visa to enter the Kingdom. The 30 day visa however is very difficult to extend once in Thailand. The visa run – as people call it who wish to stay longer, means to return to the border and re-enter Thailand for another 30 days. Tourist visas issued at a Thai Embassy are valid for two months and can be extended once within the country.
Local Custom's
by Cathy&Gary
If you are planning to visit a Buddhist temple, dress conservatively and take your shoes off when you enter the temple.
Women are not allowed to touch monks and the monks cannot accept anything from a woman's hand.
Rear seats on buses are for the monks and other passengers have to vacate these seats if necessary. You will also see a couple of seats reserved for monks in the departure areas of some airports.
Never lose your temper or raise your voice no matter how frustrating the situation is.
Only patience and humour will get you any results.
Thais believe that the head is the most sacred part of the body, so never touch or pat anyone in Thailand on the head.
The feet are considered the lowest part of the body, so don't ever point at things with your feet. When sitting down, make sure the soles of your feet are not facing towards anyone.
divers bar surin beach..a must
by norrie8568
when in phuket,,,you just have to go and say hello to "diver" at divers bar surin beach,,especially sundown,,diver as his name suggests is the life guard for the whole beach,,been on the island 20 plus years,,and the stories he tells,,well just put it this way,,dont make any other arrangements for that night!!!the guy is an absolute gem,,knows everyone/everything about phuket,,20 mins from patong,,if you need a reliable cheap air con taxi,,let me know,,ill forward the no.if you do pop into see him,,just mention paul the dj,,from scotland,,,more stories to follow.
Need a wetsuit? Tailor made?
by Myndo about Hot Wave
I am normally not the one to advertise any shops here. For this I will.
If you are into diving - beginner or new, there is one time when you will find that it would be good to have a wetsuit of your own.
Here is the shop for you.
Not only do they have real cheap second hand wetsuits (shorts from 1000 Baht, long ones from 2000 Baht), they will even tailor them on you.
Changes in existing suits are 500 Baht.
Or you can have one made totally new for you. With the colors you want and the stile you want.
I saw some really funny looking ones on the fotos on their wall. Partner look, then a youngster with a spiderman- wetsuit etc. Wetsuits and other dive equipment depends on you.
MMMM Strongbow....
by trevndebs about Irish Bar
The Irish Bar on Beach Road ( before Soi Bangla) is an oasis for me cos they sell Strongbow Cider and is also a great place to people watch.
They have the usual array of TV's to watch the regular sporting events on and the staff are just great, and greet the weary travellers with a lovely cold towel.
The Thai food available here is simply awesome, excellent value, I recommend the deep fried prawns, 250 Baht for a whole platefull! Come as you are!
Kata view point
The actual pieces of marble used
Traditional Ship at Maya Beach
Part of the decorations in the centre
